+ I have dietary requests. Can you accommodate?
Certainly! Keep in mind that although I can accommodate various diet requests, I cannot guarantee samples have not come in contact with nuts, dairy, gluten, alcohol, or other potential allergens.
The tasting will focus mainly on dark chocolate, which will be 100% plant-based.
You have the option to request:
- No nuts
- No dairy (non-dairy "milk" is available)
- No gluten
- No alcohol infused (chocolate does not contain actual alcohol content, but was infused with it during the process)
- Other (let me know. Such as no spicy chocolate, etc.)
These dietary requests may pertain to individuals or the whole group as per your request or the discretion of the host.
+ Who can join?
All are welcome! So long as you enjoy chocolate, and love to learn about your food. The tastings/pairings are quite educational.
Also keep in mind that you may not enjoy all the samples. Part of learning about food or fine foods is also experiencing foods that are different from your expectations. If you love to try new things and explore the world through taste, you should enjoy fine chocolate.
If you love how commercial chocolate tastes, you may not enjoy or appreciate the tasting or all the samples.
If you don't really enjoy chocolate that much, you may actually really enjoy the tasting as it will be different from the chocolate you have experienced.
If you love milk chocolate, but not dark chocolate, you may actually enjoy fine dark chocolate. If you enjoy only dark chocolate and not milk chocolate, you may actually enjoy fine milk chocolate.
+ Can someone join and not taste?
Yes, adults who wish to join in the tasting but for whatever reason not taste the chocolate are more than welcome to join at a price that is half of cost of a full admission.
The reason it is not free is that the cost does not simply include the samples, but the entire educational experience. I also ask that the person paying half-price does not share with those who purchased a full priced admission as samples are designed for one person and sharing can reduce the experience as there isn't enough chocolate to analyze.
+ Where are you located?
The tasting room is located in Mississauga, Ontario at 6600 Davand Drive, Unit 1, off of Dixie and South of Derry.
+ Who is the host?
My name is Geoseph, and I have been dedicated to fine chocolate since at least 2008. I have worked in the industry for over 15 years, including as a chocolate sommelier, master chocolatier, bean-to-bar chocolate maker, and instructor.
I hate talking about myself, so to learn more please visit my about page.
+ How do I pay for the tasting?
After you make your booking, I will iron out the details with you via email, and send you an e-invoice via email. You can very easily and securely pay the e-invoice via any major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, etc.).
+ Can the duration be adjusted?
Yes! Please let me know why and what time frame you prefer when you make your booking.
+ How many people can we have?
The tasting room can fit up to 10 comfortably, but 12 can also fit.
It's usually good to have at least 4 or more people as it improves the dynamic of the tasting session, and helpful to hear of everyone's different input.
However, couples are welcome as well! If you are visiting Salmon Arm, and wish to do something fun and delicious, please feel welcome to book. It will be like hiring your own professional chocolate sommelier.
+ Can children join?
Couples with children are welcome as well, so long as the children don't mind sitting 1.5 hours! The tasting and my presentation is not stiff, but also not catered to children.
Parents are welcome to bring their children, especially if you are visiting and wish to have a fun family experience!
Just be aware that younger children may not be as entertained, but this is up to your discretion as a parent.
+ Can we purchase chocolate bars after the tasting?
Of course! I have an array of fine chocolate bars, books and tasting tools, and other products available for purchase after the tasting.
If you wish to have an idea of what is available, please visit the online shop on my other website, Bean To Bar World - a virtual chocolate website. You can order from there, or you can purchase them here after your tasting.
You can pay via credit card on-site. I don't not carry change for cash, so exact cash would be required.